Aleve

Purpose of Aleve

Aleve is an over-the-counter medication used to temporarily treat minor aches and pain due to:

  • headache
  • muscle aches
  • backache
  • minor arthritis pain
  • the common cold
  • toothache
  • menstrual cramps and pain

Abreva is also used to temporarily reduce fever.

 

Active Ingredients

naproxen sodium 220 mg

Inactive Ingredients

Aleve Liquid Gels inactive ingredients: FD&C blue #1, gelatin, glycerin, lactic acid,  mannitol, pharmaceutical ink, polyethylene glycol, povidone, propylene  glycol, purified water, sorbitan, sorbitol
 
Aleve tablets inactive ingredients: FD&C blue #2 lake, hypromellose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, povidone, talc, titanium dioxide
 
Aleve gelcaps inactive ingredients: D&C yellow #10 aluminum lake, edetate disodium, edible ink, FD&C blue #1, FD&C yellow #6 aluminum lake, gelatin, glycerin,  hypromellose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene  glycol, povidone, stearic acid, talc, titanium dioxide
 
Aleve caplets inactive ingredients: FD&C blue #2 lake, hypromellose, magnesium  stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, povidone, talc,  titanium dioxide
 

Aleve FDA Warning

Allergy alert: Aleve may cause a severe allergic reaction, especially in people allergic to aspirin. Symptoms may include:

  • hives
  • asthma (wheezing)
  • skin reddening 
  • blisters
  • facial swelling 
  • shock
  • rash

If an allergic reaction occurs, stop use and seek medical help right away.

Stomach bleeding warning: This product contains a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), which may cause stomach bleeding. The chance is higher if you:

  • are age 60 or older
  • have had stomach ulcers or bleeding problems
  • take a blood thinning (anticoagulant) or steroid drug
  • take other drugs containing an NSAID (aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, or others)
  • have 3 or more alcoholic drinks every day while using this product
  • take more or for a longer time than directed.

Do not use:

  • if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any other pain reliever/fever reducer
  • right before or after heart surgery.

Ask a doctor before use if you have:

  • problems or serious side effects from taking pain relievers or fever reducers
  • stomach problems that last or come back, such as heartburn, upset stomach, or stomach pain
  • ulcers
  • asthma
  • bleeding problems
  • high blood pressure
  • heart or kidney disease
  • taken a diuretic
  • reached age 60 or older.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before use if you are:

  • taking any other drug containing an NSAID (prescription or nonprescription)
  • taking a blood thinning (anticoagulant) or steroid drug
  • under a doctor’s care for any serious condition
  • taking any other drug.

When using this product:

  • take with food or milk if stomach upset occurs
  • the risk of heart attack or stroke may increase if you use more than directed or for longer than directed.

Stop use and ask a doctor if:

  • you feel faint, vomit blood, or have bloody or black stools. These are signs of stomach bleeding.
  • pain gets worse or lasts for more than 10 days
  • fever gets worse or lasts for more than 3 days
  • you have difficulty swallowing
  • it feels like the pill is stuck in your throat
  • you develop heartburn
  • stomach pain or upset gets worse or lasts
  • redness or swelling is present in the painful area
  • any new symptoms appear

If pregnant or breastfeeding, ask a health professional before use. It is especially important not to use Aleve during the last 3 months of pregnancy unless definitely directed to do so by a doctor because it may cause problems in the unborn child or complications during delivery.

Keep out of reach of children.

In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away (1-800-222-1222).

Directions

  • Do not take more than directed.
  • The smallest effective dose should be used.
  • Do not take longer than 10 days, unless directed by a doctor (see Warnings).
  • Drink a full glass of water with each dose

Adults and children 12 years of age or older:

  • Take 1 tablet or capsule every 8 to 12 hours while symptoms last.
  • For the first dose you may take 2 tablets or capsules within the first hour.
  • Do not exceed 2 tablet or capsules in any 8- to 12-hour period.
  • Do not exceed 3 tablet or capsules in a 24-hour period.

 

Pediatric Use

For children under 12 years, ask a doctor.

Other Information About Aleve

  • Each capsule contains 20 mg of sodium.
  • Store at 20-25°C (68-77°F) avoid high humidity and excessive heat above 40°C (104°F).
  • Read all directions and warnings before use. Keep carton.